Bech leads bevy of hot Big 12 receiving options

Jack Bech: New level

Coming into the year, the talk of TCU’s receiving corps centered around pro prospect Savion Williams. Williams has come through thus far with three touchdown receptions. However, it is LSU transfer Jack Bech averaging over 20 yards per catch (20.6). His four touchdown receptions through four games represent a career-high. The high school basketball standout won three straight state titles in the sport and accounted for over 3,000 yards receiving at the prep level. He also led the Tigers as a true freshman in 2021 with 43 receptions.

Not bad for a player who has seen time at tight end in college.

The Lafayette, Louisiana native lines up in the slot and wins one-on-one battles versus safeties or nickel backs. His usage in a variety of positions has taken the Horned Frogs passing game to a new level. Frequently now aligned either inside or outside, he possesses no fear going over the middle of the field. The physical wide receiver is by no means a risk-averse traffic target.

The Horned Frogs currently rank third nationally at 367 yards passing per game.

Bech’s Style

At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Bech has also been a factor as a blocker on screen passes to running backs when used in motion. He is strong and tough to tackle after the catch on digs or slants. The team frequently clears out the middle of the field with its slot receiver to bring him on deep square-in patterns from the outside-in. Many of those dig patterns have come with the use of motion (1st QTR/4:35, UCF ’24).

As an X-wide receiver, he has also shown the ability to get away from tight press-man coverage. An effective outside speed release has gotten on top of opponents early in the down (see Stanford ’24). Bech uses subtle jab steps to gain inside position on slant patterns versus bump-and-run (see 4th QTR, UCF ’24). The deceptive stride length with subtle stems climbs up and moves defenders on post patterns. So far this season, Bech has tracked the ball at an unprecedented level down the field.

Overall, Bech’s confidence is at all-time high. Not since 2021 has he been featured this much in an offense. Due to injury issues, the deep ball capability has rarely been seen in this type of role. He is firmly entrenched as the team’s No. 1 receiver a quarter into the season. His play speed indicates more opportunities are on the horizon.

The Horned Frogs (2-2) need a continuation of Bech’s hot start to continue attacking defenses down the stretch of Big 12 play. They will face an athletic secondary with two NFL prospects at cornerback (Mello Dotson, Cobee Bryant) this Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas.

Bech has help in the battle.

Savion Williams’ acrobatics

Williams’ acrobatics were on full display just two weekends ago against UCF. His twisting full gymnastics catch on a pass thrown behind him in the second quarter could have earned him a perfect 10. On the touchdown reception, Williams crossed the face of UCF sophomore defensive back Antoine Jackson on a quick post. This came after a first quarter touchdown that saw him sky over two UCF defenders in the Red Zone.

The weight he’s carrying (230 pounds) may have slowed him a step this season, but the Red Zone capability remains an integral part of the Horned Frogs passing game. Thus far, the team captain has caught 23 passes, but he’s averaging less than 11 yards per reception. Williams’ NFL potential (6’5, 225) remains intriguing, but how will teams project his ability to separate on the outside lanes?

Other Big 12 Receivers to watch

No. 88 Eric McAlister

6’3 205 WR-Junior

TCU

He’s slick as a route runner and has slowly earned repetitions in a deep receiving corps. The Boise State transfer shows savvy working his stems as an X receiver away from the strength of the formation (see 1st QTR, UCF ’24). He missed the final five games of his junior campaign at Boise, but notched three 100-yard games prior to injury. McAlister produced nearly 900 yards in just nine appearances (47 REC, 873 yards, 18.6 YPR, 5 TDs) a season ago.

No. 2 Kobe Hudson

6’1 200 WR-Senior

UCF

Hudson’s ability to high-point the football often belies his 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame. The big play artist has averaged over 20 yards per catch in each of the last two seasons. The Auburn transfer was an all-star quarterback at the prep level and was once one of Bo Nix’s top targets. Cleaning up some of his routes will be a focus moving forward, but he uses his athleticism to overcome some of those deficiencies. Hudson works through cornerbacks on the outside lanes on fade patterns versus press-man coverage.

After getting dismissed from the team in January 2022, Hudson reunited with former Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn in Orlando. The marriage has worked masterfully for the Knights (3-0) over the last two seasons. Hudson got the best of TCU cornerback JaTarvis Broughton two weeks ago when isolated in several one-on-one matchups.

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